10 Top Restaurants in Johannesburg to Visit
Looking for the top dining experiences in Johannesburg? We've curated a list of 10 must-visit restaurants, offering a diverse range of culinary journeys. From Mediterranean delights to venues with stunning décor and panoramic views, these highly rated establishments showcase the best of what the City of Gold has to offer. At VVP Travel, we've handpicked these spots to ensure you enjoy the finest dining in Johannesburg.
1. Qunu Restaurant
Source: Facebook / @ Qunu At the Saxon
At Qunu, each dish is a testament to culinary artistry, crafted from the finest ingredients to deliver an extraordinary dining experience. Indulge in their meticulously curated 2, 3, or 4-course menus, complemented by selected wine pairings, or elevate your evenings with Qunu’s 6-course tasting menu available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Featuring exceptional mains like octopus, crayfish, and Wagyu fillet, every meal at Qunu promises a memorable dining journey, where refined flavours collide for an unforgettable experience.
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2. The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg
Source: Facebook / @ The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg
A beloved Cape Town institution, The Pot Luck Club has brought its renowned small, flavourful plates to Johannesburg. The airy space features unique décor, including hand-painted Japanese-inspired flying fish paper lamps, while the open kitchen buzzes with youthfulness. With signature dishes like amasi-battered fish sliders, chickpea fries with truffle aioli, and line fish ceviche tacos, paired with an impressive selection of wines or a zesty Thai green curry martini, each visit offers an imaginative culinary adventure.
3. The 11th Floor Restaurant
Source: Facebook / @ The 11th Floor
Elevate your dining experience at The 11th Floor, an internationally acclaimed restaurant, blending fresh seasonal ingredients with rare Italian imports. Each dish is a canvas of passion, perfectly complemented by live exceptional piano and saxophone performances. Signature plates, like the Mediterranean lamb rack, delicate sea bass, and rich beef ragu, are an orchestra for the senses, promising a dining journey that delights both palate and soul. This award-winning venue is a true gem in culinary excellence.
4. Ethos Restaurant
Source: Facebook / @ Ethos Restaurant
Ethos, located in the heart of Rosebank, embodies the true spirit of Mediterranean cuisine. Dining here celebrates the Mediterranean way of life, filled with romance and passion for the world. The menu features fresh pasta, seafood, and iconic Ethos mains like lamb kleftiko and oxtail. For dessert, enjoy the indulgent Ethos Tiramisu or Baklava Ice Cream, offering a sweet conclusion to a meal that is truly a flavourful blend.
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5. Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant
Source: Facebook / @ Calisto's Gillview (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Steeped in rich traditions, Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant in Gillview, Johannesburg South, serves up vibrant, flame-grilled delights that have become synonymous with culinary quality. From tender trinchado and succulent espadas to the freshest seafood, including signature prawns, every dish reflects the warmth of this family-run establishment. With a welcoming ambience, complete with gingham tablecloths and lanterns, and a spacious outdoor play area for families, Calisto’s offers the perfect setting for a hearty meal shared over a jug of sangria.
6. Olives & Plates
Source: Facebook / @ Olives & Plates
Nestled in upscale Hyde Park, Olives & Plates offers an elegant dining experience that blends sophistication with familiarity. Known for wholesome, health-conscious meals, the restaurant’s menu reflects a deep connection to both local and international food trends and tastes. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, each dish is meticulously crafted, delivering both substance and style. Surrounded by breathtaking views and the charm of a thousand books, Olives & Plates provides a serene and unforgettable escape for the discerning diner.
7. Bennigan’s Grillhouse & Bar Bedfordview
Source: Facebook / @ Bennigan's Grillhouse & Bar Bedfordview
Bennigan’s Grillhouse & Bar is where culinary mastery meets the perfect grill. Known for its exceptional service and legendary grilled steaks, this Bedfordview hotspot is a must-visit for lovers of expertly prepared meat. From sizzling nachos to tender beef stroganoff, each dish is prepared with precision. The warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with a dedication to quality, ensures that every visit is memorable for grill enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
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8. Signature Restaurant
Image courtesy tripadvisor
Welcome to Signature Restaurant, Sandton’s premier fine dining destination. Here, sophistication and exclusivity come together in a beautifully designed space that promises an incomparable dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or hosting a business breakfast or lunch, Signature offers a menu featuring local and international dishes, paired with an exquisite wine selection. Every detail, from the ambience to the cuisine, is designed to create moments of luxury and refinement.
9. Paradiso (Monte Casino)
Image courtesy paradiso-za.com
Paradiso at Monte Casino offers a dining experience, blending an exciting atmosphere with impeccable culinary creations. From private VIP lounges to a vibrant bar and dining area, each space within the restaurant is designed for a unique experience. Indulge in a tantalizing menu featuring mouthwatering grills, tapas, and generous platters, all crafted from the finest ingredients. Whether sipping on signature cocktails or enjoying a meal on the wraparound balcony, Paradiso promises an unforgettable journey of flavours.
10. Flames
Source: Facebook / @ Flames Restaurant
Perched at the summit of the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, Flames offers an elevated dining experience–literally–with sweeping views of the city’s lush greenery. Ideal for special events, celebrations, or simply indulging in fine dining, Flames combines avant-garde cuisine with unmatched service in a serene setting. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, while taking in the breathtaking views, and let the beautifully crafted menu, filled with bold flavours and creative dishes, leave a lasting impression.